Sharp has unveiled the “Xrostella VR1,” a new wired VR headset that, at just 198 grams, is significantly lighter than many current devices. The headset is to be co-financed via the “Green Funding” platform in Japan, as the company announced at the end of October. The crowdfunding approach is likely primarily for marketing reasons, to draw more attention to the device. After the campaign launches at the end of November, the Xrostella VR1 is initially expected to be released in Japan. Whether the device will subsequently be distributed in other markets remains to be seen.

In terms of construction and weight, the VR headset is reminiscent of models like the Vive Flow, which HTC launched in 2021 primarily for mobile viewing of 360-degree videos. The Xrostella VR1 is also intended for use on the go and to be compatible with smartphones. However, only Sharp’s own AQUOS sense10 model is officially confirmed as compatible at launch. Other models are expected to follow. VR games are not an option in mobile operation, however.

Instead, the Xrostella VR1 functions as a video headset with a smartphone, similar to the display glasses from Viture and Xreal. Use on a PC requires at least a GeForce GTX 970, an Intel Core i5-12600K, and 8 GB of RAM. For spatial positioning, the headset relies on inside-out tracking, which is intended to enable six degrees of freedom (DoF) of movement via two cameras. An additional color camera is integrated for video passthrough to orient oneself in physical space.

Lightweight with diopter adjustment and outdated controller design

Sharp is equipping the Xrostella VR1 with two LC displays, each with a resolution of 2,160 × 2,160 pixels per eye at a refresh rate of up to 90 Hertz. Pancake lenses are intended to provide a clear image with a 90-degree field of view. For comparison, the Meta Quest 3 has a resolution of 2,064 × 2,208 pixels per eye, while the Apple Vision Pro and Samsung Galaxy XR, equipped with OLED displays and positioned in higher price segments, achieve 3,648 × 3,144 and 3,552 × 3,840 pixels per eye, respectively. Sharp has not yet disclosed the price, but it is expected to be above the nearly 550 euros that Meta charges for a Quest 3.

The included controllers are striking, strongly resembling the outdated design from the Meta Quest 2 era. Current devices almost exclusively use controllers without bulky tracking rings. Hand tracking is not supported. On the other hand, the Xrostella VR1 offers a feature that eyeglass wearers would likely wish for in all VR headsets: a diopter adjustment control. This can be individually set (0 D to -9.0 D), allowing nearsighted users to manage without glasses or custom prescription lenses.

It is questionable whether the Xrostella VR1 can hold its own in the segment of lightweight PC VR headsets. The competition, such as Bigscreen Beyond 2 or the Pimax Dream Air (SE) announced for the end of the year, is technically superior but also significantly pricier. In international comparison, Sharp would also have to contend with the technically likely more mature and also PC-compatible Meta Quest 3. The selling point of reduced ergonomics also needs to prove itself in practice. The front heavy design could become problematic despite the low weight. It is therefore not surprising that images with an additional head strap are already circulating online, even though the official press release does not mention it.

(joe)

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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.